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February 19, 2026
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Warrant Issued in McHenry Theft Case for Man Serving Federal Sentence for Fraud: A McHenry County judge has issued a warrant for Alan J. Hanke, a Crystal Lake resident facing felony theft charges involving the Sons of The American Legion. Hanke is currently in federal custody in Minnesota, serving a four-and-a-half-year prison term related to an $8 million Ponzi scheme. His absence from a scheduled court appearance in McHenry County prompted the local warrant. Hanke's state case remains pending while he serves his federal sentence. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 19)
February 7, 2026
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Crystal Lake Man Begins Federal Sentence, Awaits Local Fraud Trial in McHenry County: Alan J. Hanke, a 61-year-old Crystal Lake resident, has started serving nearly five years in federal prison for his involvement in an $8 million Ponzi scheme. Despite the federal conviction, Hanke must still face a March 30 trial in McHenry County, where he is accused of unauthorized use of a veterans group's debit card, resulting in over $10,000 in losses. Local authorities allege the card was used for cash withdrawals and purchases at various businesses. The outcome of the county trial remains pending. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 7)